This Week was Silent

This week may have appeared to be rather silent on the blog. There's a number of reasons for this that I could offer you. But I'm not going to make my life complicated by explaining it in depth. Let's just say that the internet is down for a bit from home. It was also a rather emotional week in general as it's an anniversary/birthday time for someone dear to me that is no longer with us.

We all grieve in our own ways. So don't ever let anyone say that it gets easier, or that you should be done grieving. The pain of loss never really goes away, sometimes it still feels like it was only yesterday that we lost her. But it's ok.

This is a picture I took of her in 2003. Which means it's 14 years old, but that's how I see her in my mind. She's been gone for 12 years. I guess the way time flies doesn't change how we feel about some people, we always love them no matter what.

My Grandfather has been gone for 20 years now. I don't feel his death as sharply as my Grandmothers. I'm not really sure why, maybe it's because I was younger when he passed than I was when she did. But as I said earlier, we all grieve differently. So maybe it's normal to feel the way that I do.

In any case, my mind has been rather heavy. My heart hasn't been feeling so good. But be assured things are fine, I'm just feeling a little sad, but we'll be alright. We always are.

Artist Spotlight : Koalarazorclock

Today we're going to be looking at some wonderful watercolors done by Erica who makes them available through her etsy shop koalarazorclock. Watercolor happens to be one of the types of painting I love to look at, but have no knack for personally. A fact I accept happily, because it doesn't stop me from appreciating the works of others.

Realistic Watercolor, Lovebirds

So first off, these sweet little birds caught my eye when I was browsing through Erica's work on etsy. They're bright and warm, with a blush of color under their beaks.

You can find a variety of different animals on her etsy page, as she does commission paintings of pets. As well as has options to do watercolor interpretations of your favorite family photos. This is a rather unique offering in my opinion. I've never seen it before, and I personally see the offer as a rather refreshing one. After all people tend to love art that pertains to themselves.

Over the Garden Wall Print

Of course I have to mention the Over the Garden Wall images. They're cute and fun and while I may not be well versed in how the show works, her watercolors catch the heart of what I do know about the show.

Her piece captures the characters youth, while also letting the viewer wonder what he's discussing. I'd like to think he might be disagreeing with his half brother Gregory over something silly.

I also have to point out the little details. Note the houses in the background with the lights on, and the dainty leaves on the tree branch that goes across a half moon. All these details add charm to the piece. (click the link beneath the image to see it on etsy)

Dog Art - Over The Garden Wall

Another piece reminiscent of characters from over the garden wall. She made this one after being inspired by an unnamed wolf character in the show.

This one is also multi purpose though, for those of you that may want to decorate a child's room with fairy tale like images. After all, a wolf with the quote "You Have Beautiful Eyes!" Sure makes me think about Little Red Riding Hood.

Custom Animal Print : Animals in Clothing 

I can't show off her pieces without mentioning this adorable as well as classically charming option. Many people laugh at the idea of dressing their pets up in clothing, often because the task itself isn't an easy one. After all pets aren't really shaped for real apparel.

But that's where these adorable paintings come in. You can have your pet painted into clothing. That's right! Your pet painted into an adorable outfit, an image to add whimsy to your home or office, while still keeping the focus on your pet.





I asked Erica what her favorite subjects were to paint. She responded: "My favorite subjects are people, I like trying to capture something about them. I also like doing animals for the same reason, I think they have just as much personality most of the time."

You can really tell this is true when you look through the pieces that she has displayed as both available and as examples in her etsy shop. She takes good care to keep her pictures true to their source, while still giving them a loving touch of her own flare.

When asked where she found the inspiration to create her paintings she had a wonderful answer.

I'm inspired by seeing other people's artwork, and since I work in a museum that's easy to come by. Richmond also has a lot of murals, which I love. Even when I don't like them I find it inspiring to see someone's vision just in my day to day life on a building I happen to be passing. They're popping up all over so it's lovely to run across a new one, or to know that your errand will take you by one of your favorites.

One of the last questions I asked is one that I feel is very important. When it comes to newer artists it's always nice to have advice from someone who has done pieces that may inspire them. I asked her what advice she has for aspiring artists.

My best advice would just be to practice without judging your work. The more you do anything the more you'll learn and get better, but if you think you suck or are no good you'll become discouraged and won't give yourself the opportunity to improve. So just keep going, try to analyze what you like and don't like about what you've done and what other people have done without passing judgement on yourself. Its not necessary to be the best and no matter how good you ever get there will be people better, and people who don't like your stuff.

If you were interested in seeing more of her work, or maybe even commissioning a piece of your own, please check out her etsy shop koalarazorclock (Just click on the name and it will take you right on over). She's a sweetheart to communicate with, and she has a beautiful collection of available pieces, all you need to do is look.

What's on Screen? Baby's Day Out

When it comes to the early 90's there's a ton of movies that are considered to be classic. But no matter who you ask, what these films are vary. But in our house as I grew up, there were some movies that were on constantly. Mr. Boogedy, Bushwacked, Home Alone, and the movie that we're watching today. Baby's Day Out.

My father loves this movie. Almost a little too much to be honest. We've probably had almost 50 copies of it through the years. I might be exaggerating slightly, but I want you to understand how important or beloved the film is. It still is. I found the copy I'm watching for someone else. My brothers children requested it for the holidays. But it wasn't to be found in time for that. But since I don't give up easily, I found it! I picked it up at a game store in Buffalo when I was hanging out with a good friend.

Movie Poster from Web

So why is this movie so much fun to watch? It's not hugely mainstream, so it's not like everyone has seen it. It doesn't have the greatest special effects, You can tell the gorilla isn't real. There's no hard core fighting. Instead there's a baby outwitting 3 grown adults while following the storyline of his favorite book.

While this might sound absurd, I have to admit it's actually enjoyable. The movie itself has a lot of the classic comedy physical humour that you would associate with other humorous film, such as Home Alone or most of the Three Stooges material. It is a great example of how exaggeration can be used to create amusing situations in unexpected manners.

If the weather has you feeling a little down and you need a laugh, I highly recommend this movie. I don't know how hard it might be to find, but if you can find it, I hope you see why it makes me laugh. Not just small giggle laughs, mouth grin laughs. And I hope it turns the corners of your mouth up too.

What's on Screen? : White Christmas

Every family has a tradition. Sometimes they fade away through the years, in favor of new things. But there's always a few that linger on for some people, for different reasons am sure. White Christmas is a family tradition that I really don't want to see die. It's a little complicated I suppose, or maybe some people might think my reasons for holding on so tightly to this movie are sad or convoluted. But I'm going to try and explain why this movie is important to me.

We're all trying to find a place to feel happy. Christmas is a time where it can be hard for people. There's loss that's happened during the year that can feel magnified around the holidays. There are some people who feel alone at the holidays, even when they're surrounded by others. People long for times in their past where they remember feeling happy.

White Christmas is a movie that my family used to watch at Christmas time with my grandparents. It's special because of that. But the reason why is because of a feeling of connection there was for the film for my grandfather. During the war he was part of the actual 151st Division. I don't really know much about it because I'm not old enough to remember much more than that, because I was reinformed the year I told my parents that's what I wanted for Christmas, a copy of the film.

So I'm sitting here after having watched it again, feeling nostalgic and teary eyed because I miss them. But the movie isn't sad, in fact it's quite positive. It's inspiring that sometimes with a little perseverance things can become more positive. Besides that it also plays with the idea of love being no ones business except the parties involved.

I don't know if I'm going to write another post before Christmas. But I want to get this out there. I know it can be a scary time of year. Emotionally and physically it can be taxing. So if anyone is having a rough time, I just want to share some important information again. In case anyone reading this is feeling depressed, distraught, or at the end of their rope. I'm sharing part of a post I made a while ago. Please have a safe holiday season, and don't give up.

(I know I've totally lost focus from discussing the film, but with the holiday looming I want to remind people that there is help.)

If you really are feeling as though there is nothing left for you, talk to somebody. Feelings change, and so do situations and the things that are happening around us. There are friends, and family who can help you. Or if you're uncomfortable approaching them you can talk to a counselor. If you still are unsure you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-888-273-8255. You can call and talk to them about anything. In fact they're available 24/7 if you need to talk about anything.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

More information can be found at the library, counselor centers or online if you want to learn more about this. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you ever feel that death is your only option. If you don't ask for it, how can anyone be sure you need it? Also, please remember to be there for your friends. Don't blow them off if they mention wanting to hurt themselves, it's not a laughing matter.

Check these links for more information. Teenage Suicide Information  and Wiki Information on Suicide

Just Visiting : Sterling Renaissance Festival 40th year

I know in the past I have posted about the Sterling Renaissance Festival. But every year that we go there is always something new, as well as a number of wonderful things to enjoy.

This year was a bit different than the years in the past, and we didn't really have a set plan when it came to what we were going to be doing at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. And since we had a number of first timers with us we had to be a bit selective when it came to what we were going to go see.

We attended the Celtic/Highland themed weekend. Partly because part of our group was off work that day and not the next, but also because we enjoy the Celtic theme. While it's not pervasive to the festival, we do get to enjoy nods to the different ideas the theme makes available to both the artisans and the actors.

With that in mind, I'll admit that 2 of the new people that went with us to the festival were my parents. I personally selected a show that I thought they would enjoy, based on the fact that the act itself made me think of my father the first time that I saw it. The Rat Show, or Emyrs Fleet. It showcases a number of jokes that are kid friendly, and it's a great show to relax at. The humor is generally classic, and didn't require anyone to think too much.

We also attended the more bawdy shows, as they are the ones that our group tends to favor. As always, they did not disappoint. They gave gleeful moments of risque comments and made people think about things that in everyday life, we tend to treat as taboo.

One of our favorites is Arthur Greenleaf Holmes. We've been going to see him recite his poetry at the fair.... I almost think since the very first time we went to the faire. This was my boyfriends first time getting to hear the poets work though, and I don't believe he felt any worse for the wear from it. In fact he seemed to enjoy the creative imagery used during the reading. But this is not a family show, and to be honest we like it this way. I don't think we've ever seen one of his readings that wasn't crowded.

My mother on the other hand found the Bastard Monks to be amusing. Their act has a more... old school comedy feel to it. Base jokes at time, crude humor, and audience involvement. They make people laugh, as well as let them think about the story they're presenting. NOT a show for children.

We also had the pleasure to hear two Filthy Irish Stories(plus a few shorter ones based on the amount of time that was left). These  stories prey upon the adolescent idea that some words are inappropriate to say. Also it seems to amuse everyone because there are a lot more ways to make something sound dirty than many realize. They pleased the crowd leading to laughter and applause, as always a great time. Not for children, for adult consumption.

One of the newer shows that we had the pleasure to see was the Clan Tynker Circus. To be honest this is an act that I fell in love with, even though we only had a chance to see it once. The music was played live, the costumes were gorgeous, and the performers were absolutely amazing. Serendipity was gorgeous, though silent but it intrigued some of our group as it's not something that you see anymore. This isn't bias though, the whole group displayed an array of talents that impressed me and made me wish that my nephew had been there to see them.

All in all though everyone who attended for the first time had a great time and has already stated interest in attending in the future. In fact some of them are talking about going back this weekend for the pirate themed weekend. But we'll see.

Check out their website to find out more : Sterling Renaissance Festival

Personal Update (In Case You Were Wondering)

I'm sure most people really don't care why I haven't been writing. But for the few that are curious or worried this is an update to fill you in on why I've been mostly silent of late. If you're not, that's alright, just let me get some of this off my chest anyway.

I've been feeling sick for around 2 months now. At first I was blaming it on the strange weather patterns we had been having here in WNY, but now I'm not so sure. Now I'm trying to figure out exactly how you go about getting a doctor visit, and am not really a fan of the idea. I've never really been fond of doctors, and given my family history there's a large number of reasons to want to avoid them.

Some of my problems include but are not limited to : light sensitivity, dizziness, various pain that doesn't go away with the use of pain killers, and a few other things. I have been informed by a few of my friends that they never would have let it go as long as I have, but sometimes it's better not to worry about something.

Well... I do worry. But if I hurt at least I know I'm still able to feel something.

The real reason that I'm trying to get it sorted out though is because it's starting to affect my ability to do things. Prime example, it's difficult to look at the computer screen so I've simply been avoiding using it on the most part.

Then there's the other problems that have been coming up. Both of my parents have been having a million doctors visits, my dad is supposed to have his third hernia surgery (I think he said it's his third). Anyway they cancelled it last week because the insurance was giving the doctors the run around about one of the tests that they wanted him to have. Apparently they were worried about being sued if something went wrong during the surgery due to a lack of whatever information the test provides.

One of my brothers is getting married in a little less than 2 months. So that's a whole different kind of problem. Mainly because I don't know what to get for them, and I have no idea where I fit into the occasion anyway. Family functions are kind of uncomfortable for me. But I won't get into why. They simply are.

So the main problem as far as writing and putting anything together here has been my inability to focus on the screen for lengths of time. I don't have the focus.

And I really don't feel like I have anything positive to tell. Sorry.

Pictures from the Beach

We went to the beach today ^_^ I thought I'd share some special Hello's.

Want to know a Secret about Polke a Dot?

 

Polke A Dots birthday is coming up in two weeks. Which means he's getting OLD! So here's the plan, I'd LOVE for you all to drop him a message or an ecard into his email. Or if you're braver you can send him a birthday card at home (if you need the address email me and we can see about it)

So here's is his email address : polke(DOT)a(DOT)dot(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Just replace the (dot) with a . and the (at) with an @ and you can send him wishes for his birthday.

Now, if you know  him a little more and think you would like to really make his day, he's mentioned a few things that he would like for his birthday. He'd love to see the new Iron Man 3 movie. He'd really enjoy some Yankee Candle Apple scented things, or their chocolate scented items. Or clothes, he could use some new socks or a few t-shirts. He wears an XL these days >.<.

So anyways, thanks for reading, and I know he isn't going to appreciate that I posted this, but tough potatoes.

A Little Hungry?

Poor Ludo!

Passing, Day 5

I know, I know, what happened to days 1-4?  Too much happened, and most of it being things I don't wish to post.  We'll leave it at that.

Spent much of the day out, first attending church.  It was the first time I had done so in 3 years.  It was nice to see many of the familiar faces from before, especially the pastor.  But I'm reluctant to get involved like I was before.  I simply don't have the faith I used to.  I may help with, say, the sound and video systems like I did before, since I enjoyed that work, but I don't have the desire to, say, join one of the boards (if they would even offer such a thing to me).

After that, we came back to the house and hung around while waiting for my cousin to show up.  Went to Chili's when she finally did.  Ate, laughed, drank booze, embarrassed the waiter...things went better than expected.

I'm back at home now (obviously).  Hopefully my sleep schedule will adjust to PST soon.  I'm already tired.

Oh, and of course I got to Skype with FAiT today.  Hope to see her again soon.

First Test At Flight

This is my first post on this blog. It's not really a blog that's going to interest everyone in the world. But it's intended to help keep a log of events and offer a connection from me to my family, my nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers, and parents.

I know that people have a lot of different things that they enjoy in their lives, so this is a moment to share some of the things that I'm doing in mine to help us all stay connected. Not only that It's a way that we can remember memories in the future. Heaven forbid something happens that makes it so we forget.

Which means the next couple of days are going to have a few "catch up" and event type notices,so that we're all on the same page. We've done a lot in the past few days, and am happy to have done them with my family. So... uhm.. thanks for reading, and welcome to this blog.

This blog post is dedicated to Jax. We don't know you yet, and you don't know us, but... when you need us, we'll be here. You're not born yet, but baby XD you're already causing a stir.